Apistogramma pertensis
Apistogramma pertensis was first described by J. D. Haseman in 1911. The genus name Apistogramma comes from the Greek word “apistos,” meaning “unreliable,” and “gramma,” meaning “line,” referring to the irregular lateral line of the fish. The species name pertensis has no clear etymological explanation. Kullander later indicated that the name must be derived from the word “pertinare” meaning “belong.” By this Haseman would have suggested that this species would be a variety of Apistograam taeniata and thus “belong” to that species.
Synonyms: Heterogramma taeniatum pertense.
Description
Apistogramma pertensis has a slender, flattened body with an average length of about 5 to 7 inches total length. The color of the head is usually light brown to yellowish, while the flanks show a variation of brown and yellow, often with dark spots or stripes. The fins are usually translucent with a slight tinge of yellow or brown.
Differences between males and females: Males tend to be larger and have longer, sharper fins than females. Behaviorally, males tend to be territorial, especially during the breeding season, while females are caring for their young.
Behavior and temperament: This species is generally peaceful, but can become territorial during the breeding season. They usually live in pairs or small groups and are bottom dwellers, often hiding among plants and hiding places.
Life expectancy: In the wild they can live to be about 3 years old, while in a well-maintained aquarium they can live up to 5 years.
Biotope
Apistogramma pertensis is native to South America, particularly Brazil, where they are found in the lower reaches of the Rio Negro and the Amazon. Depending on the river where they were caught, this can be a blackwater river or a clearwater river. This also determines the water parameters on which they can be kept.
These fish live in slow-flowing rivers and streams, preferring areas with abundant underwater vegetation and hiding places such as leaves and branches. The bottom often consists of a mixture of sand and fine gravel, providing an ideal environment for their natural behavior.
Their natural enemies are mainly larger fish and predators in their habitat, but they are also hunters of small invertebrates themselves. They live in a tropical climate with seasonal floods, which affects their reproductive behavior.
Diet
In the wild, Apistogramma pertensis feeds mainly on small invertebrates, such as insect larvae and other small organisms that live in the substrate. In an aquarium, they are best fed high-quality flake food, frozen foods such as artemia and small pellets specifically for cichlids.
The Aquarium
For keeping Apistogramma pertensis, an aquarium of at least 100 liters is recommended. For multiple pairs, a larger aquarium of 150 liters or more is necessary to avoid territorial conflicts.
The aqu arium should be set up with plenty of hiding places, such as plants, rocks and wood. A sandy bottom is ideal, as it mimics the fish’ s natural environment and allows them to burrow.
The best water values for this species are low calcium, slightly acidic water with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 and a temperature between 23-30 degrees Celsius.
Suitable co-inhabitants include other peace-loving cichlids such as Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, and small schools of fish such as neon tetras. Avoid aggressive species or larger fish that may intimidate the Apistogramma.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
Apistogramma pertensis can be successfully bred in an ordinary aquarium, but a special breeding aquarium can increase the chances of successful reproduction. This aquarium should be at least 60 liters , with good filtration and lighting. The fish can be conditioned with high-quality food, such as live or frozen food.
The spawn
During mating, the colors of the fish may become more intense , especially in the male. Courtship can last several days, during which the male shows his colors and defends his territory.
The eggs are usually deposited on a flat rock or in a cave. Laying often takes place in the early morning or late evening. A female can lay up to 120 eggs, which are usually pale yellow in color.
Raising the fry
The eggs usually hatch after 2 to 5 days, depending on temperature. The young begin to swim freely after about 5 days. Both parents care for the young, guiding and protecting them.
The first food for the young fish consists of very fine food, such as infusoria or special food for young cichlids. It is important to change water regularly, about 10-20% per week, to maintain water quality. The survival rate of the young is usually around 50% if the parents take good care of them.
Conclusion
Apistogramma pertensis is a beautiful and interesting dwarf cichlid that is relatively easy to keep for aquarium enthusiasts with some experience. They are peaceful, but can become territorial during the breeding season, which can be a challenge in a community aquarium.
With proper care and a well-decorated aquarium , these fish can have a long and healthy life, and their colorful appearance makes them a valuable addition to any aquarium.
It is a species of which little is known. There are also several species similar to it and offered under this name. They are not specifically bred or caught so they are only available as bycatch…if they are offered at all.
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
F. Ingemann Hansen – Akvariefotografen.com
Bibliografie
“Apistogramma cf. pertensis – DwarfCichlid.com”. Accessed July 10 , 2019. Link to DwarfCichlid.
“Revisión del género Apistogramma Regan 1913 (Perciformes, Cichlidae) en la cuenca del Río Orinoco”. Accessed January 25 , 2010. Link to publication.
Tougard , C., et al. (2017). “Tempo and rates of diversification in the South American cichlid genus Apistogramma (Teleostei: Perciformes: Cichlidae)”. PLOS ONE. Accessed September 5 , 2017. Link to article.
“B-Aqua – Apistogramma pertensis”. Accessed July 10 , 2019. Link to B-Aqua.
